Kelly, a 6-11 senior power forward, has not played since Jan. 8 because of a recurring foot injury. Although he still wears a walking boot most of the time, Kelly has begun to work out — mostly in the pool, working on his "hips, legs and core," Krzyzewski said — but has not practiced or resumed basketball activities beyond some shooting.

Still, there's reason to believe Duke will have its stretch-4 for the NCAA Tournament, if not sooner.

"We're more optimistic," Krzyzewski said this week. "Again, no timetable, but it's moving. It's moving in the right direction. Now we believe we're going to get him back.

"He's shooting free throws now, but he hasn't done basketball stuff yet. Hopefully, we can get to that next week."

Duke was 15-0 with Kelly in the lineup, stretching defenses with his deadly long-range shooting — he's a 52.1 percent shooter from the 3-point range — and ability to operate as the complement to All-American candidate Mason Plumlee inside.

Kelly averages 13.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

The Blue Devils lost two of their first three games after Kelly's injury but have stabilized and have won seven of their last eight games to improve to 23-3 overall heading into Sunday afternoon's game against Boston College.